On Feb. 29, 2020, U.S. Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad signed an agreement with Taliban representatives to bring peace in Afghanistan. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s presence underscored the agreement’s importance to Washington.

To test Taliban sincerity, Khalilzad said the United States negotiated a pause in Taliban attacks on American forces. This was disingenuous: The pause occurred prior to the winter snow melt and the start of the traditional fighting season; it was akin to demanding a swimmer not use an outdoor pool during an ice storm.